Reviews

Tilly by Marion Chesney, M.C. Beaton, Jennie Tremaine

hiji84's review

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Tilly, a tomboy raised as a son, is a Lords daughter, but soon falls on hard times as her father dies heavily in debt because of a visit from the King. She gets a job as a companion for Lady Aileen, who creates stories of Tilly being a Beast. 
The Marquess of Heppleford finds a will after his father saying he will marry within a month or forfeit his inheritance. 

Lovely story, and loved Tillys development from unrural country bumpkin to charming young lady.

hannahkiwi's review

Go to review page

2.0

Audiobook read by Emma Powell.

I like Beaton's romances; they are generally a good balance of lightheartedness and slightly ridiculous melodrama, which is how Heyer wrote hers, so who are we to question.

This one however was let down by the hero/heroine pair. Tilly is quite likeable at the beginning, I think, but has to be completely transformed in manners and appearance to be attractive to her husband and society, which is rather a shame. I think Philip completely unlikeable. He enters the marriage with intentions of infidelity and fulfills those very quickly. He changes tune for Tilly only when his father's new will requires it and when she's past her transformation. He also hits her at one point. I'm sure some would appreciate this as realistic for the period, but it doesn't suit my preference in a romance, and I find it difficult to imagine that their hea is lasting.
More...